Magnetic-Coupled Autosampler Tray for Low-Contamination Dispensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing autosamplers suffer from contamination due to diffusion of atmospheric gases and mechanical parts, leading to sample jamming and degradation, especially in 'zero blank' and 'zero-exchange' systems designed for low-concentration samples.

Innovation Solution

The autosampler employs non-contact couplings and self-lubricating materials to move the sample tray without physical contact, using motors outside the chamber, reducing contamination and jamming risks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If mechanical parts and O-rings are used for sealing and driving the sample tray, then the sample tray can be moved between positions, but contamination occurs due to diffusion of atmospheric gases and mechanical wear

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample tray movementVSAvoidcontamination from atmospheric gases

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical drive system (motors with shafts and O-ring seals) with a magnetic coupling system. Magnets mounted on the sample tray interact with magnets in the autosampler body to transmit rotational force without physical contact, eliminating mechanical wear and sealing failures that allow atmospheric gas diffusion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic field acts as an intermediary between the drive system and the sample tray. Instead of direct mechanical contact through shafts and seals, the magnetic coupling transmits motion through the chamber wall, preventing contamination while maintaining operational capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If mechanical parts are used to drive the sample tray, then the sample tray can be rotated to dispensing positions, but sample jamming occurs between the tray and chamber

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample tray rotationVSAvoidsample jamming

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic coupling eliminates direct mechanical contact between the drive system and sample tray, removing the source of jamming. The non-contact force transmission prevents samples from becoming trapped between mechanical components and the chamber wall.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If O-rings and elastomers are used for sealing, then atmospheric gas diffusion is prevented, but the sealing degrades over time due to mechanical stress and contamination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveatmospheric gas diffusionVSAvoidsealing degradation

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates mechanical seals (O-rings and elastomers) by using magnetic coupling to transmit rotational force. This removes the mechanical stress and contamination that cause sealing degradation, while the magnetic field maintains the sealed environment without physical contact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Ease of operation

If motors and mechanical drives are placed inside the chamber, then sample tray movement is achieved, but contamination from mechanical parts occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample tray driveVSAvoidcontamination from mechanical parts

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The motor and mechanical drive components are extracted from the sealed chamber and placed externally. The magnetic coupling allows the motor to drive the sample tray through the chamber wall without mechanical parts being present inside the sealed environment, preventing contamination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This design provides enhanced sealing, reduces contamination, and improves reliability by minimizing mechanical parts and diffusion, ensuring accurate and versatile sample handling.

Implementation Method 1

non-contact coupling configured to move the sample tray between the plurality of dispensing positions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic coupling: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

The sample tray and the chamber comprise a set of one or more projections and a complementary set of one or more openings for aligning the sample tray within the chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSelf-lubrication: Lubrication

Data Source

PatentUS20260043824A1autosampler

Publication Date: 2026.02.12 THERMOQUEST ITALA

AI summary

An autosampler for dispensing samples is provided. The autosampler comprises a sample tray for holding the samples to be dispensed. The sample tray is moveable between a plurality of dispensing positions. The autosampler also comprises a noncontact coupling configured to move the sample tray between the plurality of dispensing positions. An autosampler for dispensing samples is also provided, comprising: a sample tray for holding the samples to be dispensed, the sample tray being moveable between a plurality of dispensing positions, the sample tray and a body of the autosampler comprising respective contact surfaces that contact each other as the sample tray moves between the plurality of dispensing positions, wherein the contact surface of at least one of the sample tray and the body of the autosampler comprises a self-lubricating material.